Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

This scene takes place in yet another room in Lady Wishfort's house. Lady Wishfort has discovered that Waitwell really was a fake. At the beginning of the scene, we see Lady Wishfort dismissing Foible and accusing her of plotting with Mirabell. Foible asks for forgiveness, and says that Mirabell has seduced her. She points out that he has fooled many others, and that he had promised her that Lady Wishfort would not be harmed. She adds that Waitwell could not have consummated a marriage with Lady Wishfort because he was already married (to Foible). Lady Wishfort becomes angry and leaves after threatening to have Foible arrested.

Mrs. Fainall enters the room. Foible tells her about the situation, and says that Lady Wishfort has gone to get a constable to arrest her. It becomes clear that Fainall has had Waitwell arrested, but Mrs. Fainall assures Foible...